unlocking/unbranding w508i

[simox]

ive searched around and i've d/L-ed the cda's that i think i need >>
HB1_06_Gen_CDA102568_15_R5A_GENERIC_AMERICA_1
HB1_06_Gen_CDA102568_16_R5A_GENERIC_AMERICA_2

These two are custom packs. You need also the MAIN and FS firmwares:
W580_R8BA024_MAIN_GENERIC_LA_RED52 (MAIN firmware), and W580_R8BA024_FS_AMERICA_1_RED52(FS to use with HB1_06_Gen_CDA102568_15_R5A_GENERIC_AMERICA_1), or W580_R8BA024_FS_AMERICA_2_RED52 (FS to use with HB1_06_Gen_CDA102568_15_R5A_GENERIC_AMERICA_2).

also, i heard that i'll lose my aol instant messenger (and all my other messengers) if i flash my phone.

Yes, it is true. You will loose everything if you don't back them up. You can save the java applications(I think AIM is one of them) if you download them from phone with XS++ for example. For this I suggest to use at least XS++ v3.1. Download the *.jar and *.jad files from \tpa\preset\system\ams\ folder.

would i need that 'custom firmware' to flash because the XS++ i have doesnt have the w580 in the phone list?

That 'custom firmware' is the custom pack you just downloaded. If XS++ (that you use) doesn't have w580 in the list, download the latest version. That will have W580 support...

Before any flashing attempt read this tutorial: XS++ 2.x Guide.

And don't forget to backup your user data(contact list, ringtones, pictures, etc.) before flashing. For this operation you can use My Phone Explorer (http://www.fjsoft.at/en/).